A Life of Love

When someone thinks of you, what do they think? How would they describe you, your character? What is your reputation and would there be any parallel or connection to notions of faith?

As we continue down the road of Ephesians Paul’s letter pulses now with what our faith in Christ and God is to look like, how we are to act. Last week, Pastor Mike challenged us with the words of Paul to take of and put on. Take off the old self and put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.(4:24)

This week Paul rings the bell again in chapter five. Be imitators of God, there fore as dearly loved children, and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 

A life of love is marked by obvious holiness, bearing witness by Spirit empowered living.

Would you say that your life is markedly different from your peers or neighbors who don’t know Christ? Are our choices different in our entertainment, speech and actions? Paul says that sexual immorality, impurity and greed shouldn’t even be named in our reputations – not even a hint. (5:3-8).

Paul also says that we were darkness. Not “were like darkness” but we were darkness and now we are light. Light bears fruit and consists of goodness, righteousness and truth (9). If I am living that way and I am light, my life is going to make an impact. If I’m not living in that reality I need to wake up and be careful to live on purpose(8-18).

My life of love is to be marked by obvious holiness as I bear witness to the work and word of God owning me by the Spirit of God Who empowers me (19-20). I’m not to be controlled by the world, the flesh or the Devil but by the Spirit of God who dwells in me. The outcome of this Spirit empowered life will be, should be, one of praise, thanksgiving and sweet fellowship with others who have been called before the creation of the world (1:4).

Is my life of love obviously set apart to my Heavenly Father?

Is my life of love bearing witness to Christ in me?

Is my life of love empowered by the Spirit of God?

A Life of Love is marked by obvious holiness, bearing witness by Spirit empowered living (Ephesians 5:1-20 )